Windows 8.1 Product Key for Activation

Hello I have the same problem. There is no sticker under my pc.
I updated to windows 8.1 and the update program asked me for a cd key. So i took just the key from my desktop because i thought it is only for verifying- now i have the problem that i cant activate it with this key- and perhaps overwrote the original.
So is there a way to retrieve the old key? Was it written on one of the documents?
Thank you
Moderator Note; subject edited; post moved here to start new thread from a Win 7 thread.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

With Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
But you don't need to know your actvation key. You might just reset your PC and upgrade to 8.1 from Windows Store.
EDIT: keep one thing in mind: if Windows 8 Home was preinstalled on your PC, you cannot install Windows 8 Pro. I mean, you can, but your activation key will not work, you'll have to buy a license.
X220t | i7 | 320GB HDD | 8GB RAM | WIN7 PRO
IdeaCenter A520 | i5 | 1 TB HDD | 6GB RAM | WIN8.1

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A friend gave me his Product Key for activation

Hello,
A friend gave me his Windows 7 Home Basic product key so I could activate this edition of Windows on my PC, because he bought the Ultimate Edition of Windows 7. I could activate it successfully on my hardware! But I need to know something.
I think the key is OEM, so is it true that Microsoft will check if the key pairs with my hardware, after a few days that I activated? Or it wouldn't even activate if it wasn't possible to use the Key on another hardware?
BTW, I have a DVD another friend gave me, with all the editions of WIndows 7, and that's where I "test activated" it. It doesn't contain SP1 so I'm willing to install Windows via the Official ISO as you never know what might be inside other people's
install medias. Will the Key work on SP1?
Thanks!

Please follow the instructions below to see what version you have:
MGA
Diagnostic Report:
To properly analyze and solve problems with Activation and Validation, we need to see a full copy of the diagnostic report produced by the MGADiag tool (download and save to desktop -http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 )
Once downloaded, run the tool.
Click on the Continue button, after a short time, the Continue button will change to a Copy button.
Click on the Copy button in the tool (ignore any error messages at this point), and then paste (using either r-click/Paste, or Ctrl+V ) into your post.
One
Issue Per Thread:
Most Activation and Validation issues look the same, on the surface, but can have many different causes and fixes. This is why we ask for a diagnostic report and this is also why we ask that you create your own thread for your issue (in other words, don't post
your issue in another person's thread).
It just becomes too complicated to try to troubleshoot multiple different issues in the same thread.
New
to the Forums?
Note that if you are new to these forums, you may find that you are unable to post due to a restriction on the inclusion of links and pictures.
Simply delete the only lines that contain links - this will allow the remainder of the report to upload (and those lines are not generally
critical to the report anyhow)
Please do not read this sentence. Please ignore the previous sentence.

Can I install Linux and then use the original Windows 8 OEM product key for a virtual machine on the same computer?

I have ordered a new laptop and expect to receive it in 2-3 weeks. The laptop comes with an OEM version of Windows 8 installed. I wish
to install Linux as the host operating system and create a virtual machine running Windows 8. Can I legally use the product key from the OEM installation to activate a virtual machine that will only be used on the laptop that had the original OEM installation?
If so, what is the procedure to activate the copy installed on the virtual machine?
This question has been addressed for Windows 7, but my searches did not reveal this question posed for Windows 8.

Technically, no. The OEM is licensed only for the physical hardware on the system. It isn't licensed for virtual hardware.
You may find you're unable to activate your OEM license in the VM. A lot of OEM Windows look for specific hardware to verify they're being installed on the correct hardware.
Although here: http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/Pages/support-faq.aspx#fbid=Zh0SiBdas5I
Q. Can I install OEM on a virtual machine (VMware)?
A. You may install OEM in a virtual environment as long as you have a separate license for each instance of the software. It is fine to use the OEM version as long as it is properly licensed. To be clear, a separate version of software must be installed
for both the “standard” and “virtual” installations.
You still may not be able to activate if there is a hardware block.
The best place to ask this is to Microsoft licensing, any response you get here, including mine, won't hold up since it's not an official answer.
Q. Can I install OEM on a virtual machine (VMware)?
A. You may install OEM in a virtual environment as long as you have a separate license for each instance of the software. It is fine to use the OEM version
as long as it is properly licensed. To be clear, a separate version of software must be installed for both the “standard” and “virtual” installations.
edit: removed the duplicate Q&A

Where can I find the windows 8.1 product key

Where can I find the windows 8.1 product key for my HP Pavilion Model p7 – 1451. The HP came with windows 8 pre-installed and then I upgraded to windows 8.1 on-line free from Microsoft. I need the windows 8.1 product key to upgrade to windows 10.

Hi,
The key is in the BIOS of your machine, please use the following tool to get it:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
When run this tool, it produces a report, scroll down to Software Management section. Windows 8 or 8.1 product key is in there.
You can also use the following tool to find out:
https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Regards,

The Windows 7 Professional product key you typed is invalid for activation.

Got a T410 & was trying to activate windows 7 that came preinstalled (OEM) ?????-OEM-8992671-?????
Windows Product ID: ?????-OEM-8992671-?????. Windows Product ID Type: 2. Windows License Type: OEM SLP. Windows OS version: 6.1.7600.2.00010100.0.0.048
Product ---- 2516-CTO
Serial ----- R8xxxxx
BIOS: ------ 6IET55WW (1.15)
Warranty: -- till 03/2011
I get the message: The Windows 7 Professional product key you typed is invalid for activation.
I also have Norton Internet Security Preinstalled.
I am new to this can anyone please help?
Thanks in advance.
Moderator Note; s/n edited for members own protection

Hi joeamir, and welcome to the Lenovo User Community!
Check this out:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=migr-75177&sitestyle=lenovo
And this thread:
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T400-T500-and-newer-T-series/T410-update-new-BIOS-SLIC-misssing/m-p/2194...
I don't work for Lenovo. I'm a crazy volunteer!

Get product key for preinstalled windows 7

Hello sir, I bought this laptop (Hp pavilion dv6 6115tx Entertainment Notebook)around 4 years ago with preinstalled Windows 7 Home Premium Operating system. As you know Microsoft is going to give free upgrade to Windows 10. But the problem is that the product key below my laptop is not much visible. I am unable to identify the product key. Is there any other way to get product key of my genuine windows 7? I have recovery disk with me. but it does'nt have product key on it.Please help me... Thanks & Regards,Rushikesh Musale

Yes, you can use the same product key for 64-bit release too, as SenneVL says. But, kindly note that upgrade across is not supported and you need to perform clean install only. Also, kindly note that the Windows installation must be made in the same PC,
even if different architecture is being used. Otherwise, activation issues will arise.
Multiple architecture is supported in multiboot, so Windows 32-bit and 64-bit can be installed as multiboot environment, parallely.
Balaji Kundalam

Product key for Windows 8.1 in Yoga 2 Pro

How can I find the product key for Windows 8.1 in the Yoga 2 Pro?
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Hi mpweinberg,
Welcome!
Since Windows 8, OEM preinstalled operating systems store and encrypt the product key in the uEFI or BIOS firmware chip. The product key is no longer on the COA sticker to help prevent theft. Whenever you need to reset or reinstall the same operting system on your OEM PC, the product key will automatically be applied and activated. Have you tried running Belarc Advisor? I believe that will show you the product key along with other important information about your system. http://belarc.com/
ThinkPad: T530 / X1 Gen 2 / Helix - Yoga: Tablet 2 Pro (Win) / Yoga 3 Pro
If you find a post helpful and it answers your question, please click the "Accept As Solution" button.
Lenovo Advocate ~ I am not employed by Lenovo or Microsoft. I am a volunteer.
Microsoft MVP - Consumer Security
SpywareHammer

Сhange the product key for windows on the product key on a Mac OS.

Our family purchased Adobe Photoshop for Windows, and then changed the computer to Apple IMAC, you can change the product key for windows on the product key on a Mac OS. my key for windows had not even been activated.

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/405/kb405819.html
Mylenium

Acrobat Standard XI, but can only find the CD for windows. I have a mac (I have access to an external CD drive and I have the product keys for windows). What is the best way for me to install it?

Hi, I purchased Acrobat Standard XI, but can only find the CD for windows. I have a mac (I have access to an external CD drive and I have the product keys for windows). I have never installed it anywhere else. What is the best way for me to install it?

Hi lintonm86921521,
I can understand your concern & will guide you through this.
I am so sorry to inform you that Acrobat XI Standard is not available on Mac, you can only use it on your Windows computer.
You can also refer to the system requirements at : System requirements | Acrobat family of products—older versions (XI, X, 9)
In case if you have any further query please let us know, we will be happy to help you.
Regards,
Aadesh

Need To Find Product Key For Windows 8

It's my son's laptop and I bought it brand new in January 2013. It crashed two months later. I tried to get help through HP but to no avail. They told me to update the BIOS, which I did, and it worked for maybe a week and crashed again. I had a friend wipe it and start over twice after that because it just kept crashing. I then called HP, since it was still under warranty, to have them send me a new one since this one was obviously defective and the lady with whom I spoke said she would have someone call me back to help me. This never happened. I just gave up on it and bought another laptop in March 2013...the same exact brand, model, specs, etc. and have had absolutely NO problems with it since. I've since decided that it merely needs a new hard drive, which I am more than happy to purchase and install. It is the only thing my son has asked for as a Christmas present this year. The problem I have is that I don't have the product key for the OS. It came installed with Windows 8 and I have read through several other messages and understand that it is not something you can buy, however, I do believe, and feel that I am entititled, to have the product key so that I can properly fix my son's laptop. After all, it was a defective laptop/hard drive with which to begin and since HP support was actually of no support whatsoever HP should be willing to help with this situation. I have only ever used HP for desktops and laptops and have since 2001 and this is the first product I have purchased that was probelmatic.
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Hi:
Microsoft did away with OEM product key stickers starting on all PC's that come with W8.
The OEM product key is now encoded into the BIOS in order to prevent it being used on other PC's.
So, your notebook does have a product key.
You just can't read it and if you order recovery media for the specific model notebook, or use a Windows 8 OEM installation disk you won't need the key.
It will automatically enter itself during the installation.

Product Key for Windows 10 ENTREPRISE Technical Preview

Can anyone have a idea where to find the product key for Windows 10 Technical Preview for ENTREPRISE

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-enterprise-technical-preview
Expand Windows 10 Enterprise Technical Preview
Expand Preinstall Information, you'll find the key.

After having had to upgrade to windows 7 i cant find the product key for my photoshop elements 8

i kept the download for my photoshop elements 8 but after the windows 7 upgrade i cant find the product key for the PSE8

This isn't the PSE forum Edward, but you might be aware of that.
PSE8 is going to be fairly old I'm thinking? Like I said... this is not the PSE forum so people don't tend to know much about it. The reason I make that point, is that if you have previously registered your copy of PSE8, you will be able to log on to your Adobe ID, go to My orders, and find both a link to download the installation file, and your serial number.
Other than that, I am not sure how you will find it.

Product Key for Windows Server 2008 R2 Trial Period

We have downloaded the trial version of Windows Server 2008 R2 from the Microsft web site. We have installed it but we never received the product key for the trial period.
We are still assessing if all our applications can work with Windows Server 2008 R2 and would need the time to assess the product.
How can we obtain such a key?
Thank you

Click Start, and then click Command Prompt.
Type slmgr.vbs -dli, and then press ENTER to check the current status of your evaluation period.
To reset the evaluation period, type slmgr.vbs –rearm, and then press ENTER.
Restart the computer.
Regards, Dave Patrick ....
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

WINDOWS PRODUCT KEY - for reinstalling WINDOWS

What if your computer comes with NO Windows Product Key sticker -- computer came new with Windows 7 preinstalled but, included Windows 8 installation discs - never needed a key & should've (in hindsight) made a boot repair disc - but, recently computer would NOT boot up - tried to repair it but, no luck -- SO, now if I want to reinstall Windows 7 will have to use an OEM but, need a Product Key for HP computers --- any time else you install Windows you are REQUIRED to enter your own Product Key # which is about 25 digits including letters, numbers & dashes ---------- I do have Windows 10 on another drive but, love Windows 7 -- Windows 10 is far better than 8 BUT, not as good as 7 I have looked all over my case for any WINDOWS sticker & inside too -- I have heard that laptops are usually under the battery but, for DESKTOPS will be stuck somewhere on the case & this does NOT have one -------------- it is just STUPID for HP to ship computers without a PRODUCT KEY as every other manufacturer does for this reason..THANKS

Hi, Goodmorning! Uhm as far as I know Operating System of these unit didnt came with product keys, because operating system of this unit is from the manufacturer, And it was never been installed using standalone discs by hp. You might need to order recovery discs online on its support website. as far as I know. Hope you dont mind.

Where do I find the product key for win XP?

hI
I am new here.
I just purschased a Lenovo SL500 from Hemini.
I have a question that they wouldn't answer for me. Hopefully someone of you can.
My laptop came with windows XP installed and with CDs for installing Vista.
I chose to stay with XP.
The Windows sticker underneath the laptop is for Vista => the 25 digit Product Key it has on it is for Vista and won't work for "validating" my Windows XP and Windows Office software.
Nowhere in the package did I find any mention of a product key for the XP.
Please help me as to what I should do now.
Thank you.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Hi Oingk,
Most [maybe all] computer manufacturers use volume license key to install and activate Windows:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volume_license_key
Preinstalled Windows OSes from lenovo come already activated, it's surprising that yours is not activated. I suggest contacting lenovo CS.
In case you did a clean install then you should have created recovery discs for XP first, these discs contain an image of preinstalled Windows [pre-activated] and other lenovo software:- http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-68317
As for Microsoft Office, the version bundled with thinkpads is trial unless specifically ordered a license during purchase.
Hope it helps.
Maliha (I don't work for lenovo)
ThinkPads:- T400[Win 7], T60[Win 7], IBM 240[Win XP]
IdeaPad: U350
Apple:- Macbook Air [Snow Leopard]
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Windows 8.1 Product Key for Activation

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